When to Plant Kohlrabi in Ector County, TX
Your May game plan for Ector County, Texas
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Ector County, Texas this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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It's harvest week for kohlrabi
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- First harvests: kohlrabi
Kohlrabi is an unusual brassica that forms a swollen stem above ground with a mild, sweet turnip-like flavor. Both the bulb and tender leaves are edible.
Ector County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 23 and the first fall frost is November 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 233 days.
At an elevation of 3,652 feet, Ector County receives approximately 44 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Kohlrabi during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Kohlrabi will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.
Ector County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.5-8.5
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Ector County
How your county's soil matches Kohlrabi's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.5–8.5) is more alkaline than Kohlrabi prefers (6.0–7.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Ector County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Kohlrabi will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (0.9%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Kohlrabi.
How to Plant Kohlrabi
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Kohlrabi
Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 07 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 02.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi needs approximately 0.7 inches of water per week (3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Kohlrabi Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3" | 2.4" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 3" | 1.7" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3" | 0.9" | 2.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 3" | 1.6" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 3" | 8.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 9.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3" | 2.3" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Ector County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Kohlrabi Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Kohlrabi Planting Timeline — Ector County, TX
Kohlrabi Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 16 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Direct Sow | March 9 | Mar 9 – Mar 30 |
| Harvest | May 11 | May 11 – Jun 15 |
| Fall Sowing | September 2 | Sep 2 – Sep 16 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
45–65 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
233 days in Ector County
Growing Tips for Kohlrabi in Ector County
Direct sow Kohlrabi outdoors after March 23 in Ector County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Ector County dries quickly — mulch Kohlrabi with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Your generous 233.0-day season in Ector County allows multiple plantings of Kohlrabi. Sow every 22.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Kohlrabi in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Direct sow in spring or fall. Harvest when bulbs are 2-3 inches in diameter for best texture and flavor. Larger bulbs may become woody and fibrous.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Kohlrabi in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Kohlrabi in Ector County, TX?
Ector County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 23. Plan your Kohlrabi planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ector County, TX?
Ector County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 23 and first fall frost is November 11.
Your Ector County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Ector County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.